Slipknot - September 2025
I was really excited to get this book to review. I love colourwork and Christmas/winter knitting. Arne and Carolos's last Christmas book was published 14 years ago and contained 55 patterns. This one has 65. An extra-special treat was the bonus hiding towards the back of the book: seven recipes for biscuits. I can't wait to try them.
Arne and Carlos are renowned for their Nordic-inspired colourwork and have written over ten books. Their website (https://arnecarlos.com/) is a great place to find out about their textile careers.
The book starts with the materials you will require. It then goes on to discuss techniques, with some helpful photos. It talks about the basic pattern used for the baubles as well as other techniques, including swiss darning. The patterns are helpfully laid out in themes, with the chart and a beautiful photograph of each.
I love the photographs and the seasonal feel to this book. At the time of reviewing this, it's the middle of June, but it's never too early to start Christmas prep, right? I have a fair amount of DK yarn in my stash so this will be perfect. The gems Arne and Carlos use as decorations are stick-on, which can be glued, but I think I will incorporate beads in my knitting to make it safer for small children - after all, glittery sparkle always attracts little fingers.
I want to get a copy of this book for myself - the only issue is that it isn't on sale until mid-July in the UK. That still gives me plenty of time though to make some baubles to add to our family's Christmas traditions.
The Knitter - Issue 220
Following on from their hugely popular 2011 book, Scandinavian design duo Arne & Carlos have published their second collection of festive knitted decorations which will bring Nordic colour into your home over the winter!
The 65 stranded colourwork designs are based on wintry and festive themes; there's one basic pattern for all the balls, followed by colourwork charts for each design, along with photographic tutorials on the key techniques required to knit and finish your decorations.
The huge variety of motifs includes snowy scenes and winter sports, festive themes such as angels, garlands, candles and Christmas trees, winter flowers and foliage, birds and animals. There are also designs based on traditional local motifs from districts such as Setesdal, Hemsedal, Lofoten, Lillehammer.
Along with the knitting patterns, Arne & Carlos bring us seven recipes for their favourite Christmas cookies!
